Our programs

How we're run

Winchelsea Community House is a community-managed organisation, governed by a volunteer Committee drawn from the local area. We are committed to transparency, accountability and serving the people of Winchelsea with integrity. Below is a brief overview of our committee structure and responsibilities. 

For a more in-depth explanation of how the committee operates, including our constitution and information on Neighbourhood Houses, click the link below

Responsibilities

Committee of Governance

Winchelsea Community House is guided by a volunteer Committee of Governance drawn from the local community. The Committee sets the strategic direction of the organisation, overseeing policy formulation and review, the annual budget and financial health, the appointment and performance review of staff, and medium and long-term planning.

They provide the high-level oversight that keeps Winch House accountable to the people it serves. Day-to-day operations are led by the House Manager, who coordinates programs, staff and services on behalf of the committee.

Strategic Direction

The Committee sets the long-term direction of the organisation, ensuring Winch House remains responsive, relevant and accountable to the community it serves.

Policy & Review

The Committee is responsible for the formulation and ongoing review of organisational policies, ensuring they reflect current community needs and legal obligations.

Financial Oversight

The Committee oversees the annual budget, monitors financial health and ensures resources are directed where they will have the most community impact.

Staff & Planning

The Committee appoints and reviews the performance of staff, and leads medium and long-term planning to ensure the organisation grows sustainably.

The Rulebook for Winch House

Our Constitution

Winchelsea Community House Inc. is a formal not-for-profit organisation registered with both Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Because of this, we’re required to operate in accordance with our ‘Rules of Association— our constitution.

The constitution sets out the essentials: who can become a Member, how the Committee is structured and elected, how grievances and disciplinary matters are handled, and much more.

At our 2023 Annual General Meeting, we adopted a revised constitution based on the Model Rules template provided by Consumer Affairs Victoria. This update was necessary to comply with new and tightened laws governing charities. We also took the opportunity to add provisions for Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which means donations to Winch House are now tax-deductible — a meaningful change for supporters who want to back local community work in Winchelsea.

Download the constitution

The Winchelsea Community House rules of association aka constitution is available for you to download here.

Our Principles

How we show up

Positive Relationships

We work together and embrace dignity, community and mutual respect.

Always Learning

We create an environment that encourages and supports ongoing learning in all we do.

Diversity

We acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of all community members.

Advocacy

We help our community to have a voice.

Confidentiality

We preserve privacy across all service delivery areas.

Innovation

We encourage creativity, responsiveness and flexibility.

Accountability

We build transparency and accessibility into our processes.

Good Communication

We use a range of methods to inform, and be informed by, our community.

Ready to join the committee

We are always looking for community minded locals to join the Winchelsea Community House Committee of Management. You don’t need any experience, just a love of your community and desire to help.